It's London, 1937, and recently-widowed eccentric, Laura Henderson, is looking for a way of spending her time and money when her attention falls on a run-down former cinema in Great Windmill Street. Hiring feisty impresario Vivian Van Damm to look after the newly renovated Windmill Theatre, the improbable duo present a bill of non-stop variety acts. But as war looms something more is required to boost morale and box office... When Mrs Henderson comes up with the idea of The Windmill Girls – glamorous young women posing as nude statues – audiences flock. And as the Blitz hits London, The Windmill provides a refuge for all, boasting the spirit-raising slogan "We Never Close".
That's the plot, now how does the show stack up? Actually pretty well. The songs are hummable, the dialogue decent enough, some excellent acting and beautiful voices, a great set ... all the ingredients for a great night out. And by and large that's what you get. There is no great driving force or dramatic climax in what is essentially a gentle story, and there is no great show-busting number ... but actually I didn't miss either. At times it felt more like a play than a musical, being entirely story and character driven, and the songs carry plot ideas - I was thinking throughout if any of the songs would stand alone outside the show but I don';t think they would - they are woven inexorably into the story ... I kind of liked that.
Tracie Bennett is a delight as Mrs Henderson though she was not able to fully mask the age difference between herself and her character, and Ian Bartholomew was a great Mr Van Damm - credible and complex. It is Emma Williams' performance as Maureen which captivates most though - a beautiful voice, great stage presence and a spirited performance.
There are some delightful moments, the Lord Chamberlain's office for example, and this production relies heavily on a great ensemble cast all pulling their weight.
Nudity there is, in proper Windmill style, but it is not the core of this production and to the modern eye seems more sweet than sexy - none the less, I applaud the cast and production team for its handling and presentation and for not "copping out" (touring Calendar Girls please note!).
In all a very pleasant evening and a show that deserves its time in the sun somwhere in London ...
